By Michael Howell
Thanks to a few organizations and a whole bunch of people, Veterans Park on Main Street in Stevensville is now graced with a large and creative work of art. The new art piece is a mural that stretches across the north wall of the building, owned by Dean Vance, that currently houses the Main Street Association, Montana Drivers Services and a Highway Patrol office. The building’s north wall faces the park and is highly visible by people entering Stevensville from the north.
The idea was born in the Main Street Association’s Design Committee but, according to committee chair Cinda Holt, what really made it work was the willingness of the building owner to allow it and the incredible help from American Legion Post 94.
Post 94 Commander Chuck Burgmeier helped organize the American Legion’s involvement which included money and labor. Helping him were Post members Brad Smith, Joe Simone, Earl McConaha and David Adams. The team power washed the wall of the building and primed it twice. The Post also contributed $500 to help pay the artist. Cheryl Smith helped out and the American Legion Post 94 Women’s Auxiliary contributed some money as well.
Annette Seaman contributed an original concept drawing of the mountain scene to which a few ideas were added.
“Some poppies were added at our suggestion,” said Smith. She said the symbol of the red poppy has become a worldwide symbol of remembrance of the Great War.
The heart of the mural is a bold depiction of the historic American Legion Hall located up Middle Burnt Fork Road east of Stevensville.
Local artist Annie Allen took the basic drawing, along with the suggestions, and worked it all out on the wall. Allen is a professional artist who lived in Lincoln and Laredo, Montana before moving to the Bitterroot Valley a few years ago. She does mixed media work that is displayed in galleries and in her studio located near Victor.
Helping Allen in the painting was the daughter of a very close friend of hers named Cassie Bartlette. Cassie plans to study painting in college and is mentoring with Allen.